Carpenter Terrance James White crashed his car drunk, went home to start drinking during arrest

A self professed alcoholic was lucky no one was injured after he crashed his car, walked home and continued drinking while being arrested. Here’s what happened in court.

A Warwick carpenter, who narrowly avoided hitting another motorist before crashing his car, was drinking even when being arrested, a court has been told.

Terrance James White pleaded guilty in Warwick Magistrates Court on November 27 to one charge of obstructing a police officer, driving under the influence of liquour, driving without due care and failing to provide a breath test.

At Horseman Rd, north Warwick, on the afternoon of July 5, police responded to a single vehicle traffic crash involving White, police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Hutchins said.

“A witness (who narrowly avoided the crash) driving along the road said she saw the car go off the side of the road, losing control and hitting a tree, causing extensive damage,” Sergeant Hutchins said.

The court was told another witness saw the man return home shortly after as if “nothing had happened”.

Police arrived at the scene, arresting White, who was drinking during the arrest, spraying the arresting officer with the drink and threatening the police by saying he would “kick their heads in”.

The court was told the man had been drinking previously that day, with witnesses saying they attempted to take the keys off him, but he quickly became abusive towards them.

The 50-year-old carpenter worked remotely in Indigenous communities, and was a former drug addict, defence lawyer Clare Hine told the magistrate.

“He no longer uses drugs, but knows he’s an alcoholic, he drinks every day, primarily beer. He has no excuses and acknowledges his behaviour was appalling,” Ms Hine said.

“He is glad he’s being sentenced on what happened versus what could have happened on this occasion.”

Magistrate Virginia Sturgess said there was a significant “potential for harm to be caused” during White’s offending.

“You’re fortunate they were able to save themselves from you. You have an extensive criminal history, with serious charges, including a lengthy imprisonment in 2015,” Ms Sturgess said.

“Bubbling below the surface there are issues you need to take care of - when you drink to excess where you are dangerous to other road users. You’re teetering on the brink of getting yourself into a serious problem if you don’t address these issues.”

White was suspended from driving for 12 months, and for failure to provide a specimen of his breath, he was convicted and not further punished.

For the charges of driving without due charge, obstruction and driving under the influence White was imprisoned for three months, wholly suspended for 12 months.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Carpenter Terrance James White crashed his car drunk, went home to start drinking during arrest